MINUTES
FOX CHAPEL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD MAY 19, 2025
PRESENT: Harrison Lauer, Chairperson; James M. Royston, Wesley W. Posvar, Members; Gary J.
Koehler, Borough Manager; Shawn M. Peterson, Assistant to the Manager
ALSO
PRESENT: Bradley Harrison, Councilmember; James Hiller Hardie, Jr., Resident
VIA ZOOM: Donald F. Smith, Jr., Member
ABSENT: David Thor, Member
Mr. Lauer called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
RESIDENT COMMENTS
James Hiller Hardie Jr., 7 Foxwood Drive, stated that he was concerned about the four hundred trees that are
to be removed on the Shady Side Academy property to allow for another driveway to the school. He stated that
he understood that the school intends to replant three hundred trees, but in the meantime, there will be a lot of
erosion. He stated that the school should look harder at other options to accommodate the drive without
destroying many trees.
Mr. Koehler stated that Shady Side Academy's plans are not currently before the Planning Commission or
Borough Council, so the two bodies could not discuss the matter until an official plan has been presented to the
Borough. He also stated that the Borough has received many emails and comments from residents regarding
their objections to the proposed development.
NEW BUSINESS
Sycamore Run Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Phase III
Mr. Lauer stated that the Borough was seeking a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development (DECD) under the Small Water and Sewer Program for the Sycamore Run Sanitary
Sewer Replacement, Phase III project that will help fund repairs to the sanitary sewer system in the area on
Hemlock Hollow Road between Hunt and Riding Meadow Roads.
Mr. Lauer said that in furtherance of the Allegheny County Health Consent Order with the Borough, DCED
requires a letter from the Planning Commission as part of the grant application that confirms the Commission
has reviewed the project and verifies the work complies with the Land Use Ordinances. He stated that the letter
was already signed as of April 11, 2025, and included in the grant application submission. The Planning
Commission is asked to ratify the letter, confirming the information above.
Mr. Lauer moved to ratify the April 11, 2025, letter from the Planning Commission to the Pennsylvania DCED.
Mr. Posvar seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Posvar stated that the Borough is doing a
great job upgrading aging pipes with modern replacement materials.
With no other business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:14 PM.
SHAWN M. PETERSON
Assistant to the Manager